Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Regulation

Current understanding

To be populated as evidence accumulates.

2005-05-09 — Safe Storage of Radiological Materials Act of 2005: 2005-04-XX — Safe Storage of Radiological Materials Act of 2005 (citation removed): Senate bill (referred to committee, not enacted) would have required DOE to identify a responsible entity for Greater-Than-Class C waste, provide cost and schedule estimates for environmental review of a permanent disposal site, and continue recovery/storage of security-risk sealed sources in the interim — illustrating that GTCC disposal planning gaps have been recognized in legislation for two decades. (novelty: 2) (novelty: 2)
2026-06-23 — Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027: HR9022 (FY2027 Energy and Water Appropriations) funds NRC rulemaking and oversight activities including the low-level and GTCC waste disposal regulatory workstream. (novelty: 2)
2025-06-12 — Nuclear REFUEL (Recycling Efficient Fuels Utilizing Expedited Licensing) Act: HR3978 (Nuclear REFUEL Act, June 2025) proposes expedited licensing for nuclear fuel recycling, which — if enacted — could shift the composition and volume of waste streams entering LLW and GTCC disposal pathways. (novelty: 3)
2026-07-01 — Integrated Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal: NRC proposed rule would replace prescriptive concentration limits with a risk-informed, site-specific graded framework and extend coverage to certain transuranic wastes, including new pathways for Greater-Than-Class C disposal. (novelty: 3)